what is the function of the alveoli in the lungs

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. What is the function of the alveoli in the lungs?

A. To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen
B. To transport air to the lungs
C. To filter blood
D. To produce mucus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected answer is A: 'To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.' The alveoli in the lungs are responsible for facilitating gas exchange, where oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process is vital for respiration and maintaining proper oxygen levels in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the alveoli are not involved in transporting air to the lungs; they are primarily responsible for gas exchange. Choice C is incorrect because the alveoli do not filter blood; their main function is gas exchange. Choice D is incorrect because alveoli do not produce mucus; mucus is produced by other specialized cells in the respiratory system.

2. Which of the following describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells don't.
B. Eukaryotic cells are simpler in structure than prokaryotic cells.
C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells don't.
D. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells lack these.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus that contains the genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are absent in prokaryotic cells.

3. In the process of cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy. What is the main waste product released?

A. Water
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Oxygen
D. Protein

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During cellular respiration, glucose undergoes a series of reactions in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP. The main waste product released in this process is carbon dioxide, which is eliminated from the body through exhalation. While water is also produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is considered the primary waste product. Oxygen is not a waste product but is actually consumed during cellular respiration to aid in breaking down glucose. Protein is essential for various cellular functions but is not a waste product of cellular respiration; instead, proteins are broken down into amino acids for cellular processes.

4. What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?

A. Stores genetic information
B. Decodes genetic information
C. Provides energy for the process
D. Transports amino acids to the ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by decoding the genetic information stored in DNA and carrying it to the ribosomes where proteins are synthesized. This process involves transcription, where RNA is synthesized from DNA, and translation, where the information in RNA is used to assemble amino acids into proteins. RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and the ribosomes, ensuring that the correct sequence of amino acids is used to build proteins according to the genetic code. Option A is incorrect because DNA, not RNA, stores genetic information. Option C is incorrect because RNA does not provide energy for protein synthesis; energy is usually provided by ATP molecules. Option D is incorrect because tRNA (transfer RNA) is responsible for transporting amino acids to the ribosomes, not RNA in general. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it accurately describes the role of RNA in protein synthesis.

5. What is the law that states energy can neither be created nor destroyed?

A. Law of Conservation of Matter
B. Law of Conservation of Energy
C. Law of Universal Gravitation
D. Law of Inertia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Law of Conservation of Energy. This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. The Law of Conservation of Matter (Choice A) is related to mass and the preservation of mass in a closed system, not energy. The Law of Universal Gravitation (Choice C) describes the force of attraction between objects with mass. The Law of Inertia (Choice D) states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force.